At the invitation of President George W. Bush, President Daniel T.
arap Moi of Kenya and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia met at
the White House on Thursday, December 5, 2002.

The leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment in the global war on
terrorism. They recognized the significant and unique challenges of
fighting terrorism, which continues to pose a serious threat to the
region and the world. To this end, the three leaders reaffirmed their
commitment to work together and, with the international community, to
eliminate terror networks and actively oppose those governments and
organizations that support, harbor, or tolerate terrorist activities.

The leaders renewed their determination for lasting peace and
security in the region and recognized that freedom and democracy
comprise the foundation of these objectives. President Bush expressed
his appreciation for the efforts of Kenya and Ethiopia in the peace
process in Sudan and the reconciliation process in Somalia. He also
indicated his confidence in a smooth election and transition process in
Kenya, and the prompt and continuous progress in the Ethiopia-Eritrea
peace process as proscribed in the peace agreement.

The leaders called attention to the food crisis in the Horn of
Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where food shortages are affecting
six million people and may eventually expose 14 million people to
starvation. The United States will continue to provide food aid and
other humanitarian assistance to alleviate the effects of the crisis
and calls upon other donor nations to provide substantial emergency
assistance. The leaders also agreed to take steps to prevent the
recurrence of food emergencies in the region.

The leaders welcomed African development initiatives, such as the
New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), and called upon
African countries to take advantage of opportunities provided by the
African Growth and Opportunity Act. They recognized that long-term
economic prosperity will require strong leadership at home to promote
economic freedom, coupled with support from both local and
international communities.

The leaders expressed concern over the devastating effects of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic and other infectious diseases in Africa and their
impact on social, economic, and security sectors. Kenya and Ethiopia
lauded the Bush Administration for its leadership in the global fight
against these diseases and for being the largest, single contributor to
the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. They
resolved to give high priority to the campaign to eradicate these
diseases, and the United States reaffirmed its support.